How we organize ourselves Unit F1 - School, Glorious School Central Idea
Schools are organized to enable people to learn together Key concepts: form, function, responsibility Related concepts: community, systems, interaction Lines of Inquiry · People and places in our school · Classroom routines and expectations · How our school day is organized
How we express ourselves Unit F2 - Let's Play Central Idea Play takes many forms and enables people to express themselves in different ways
Key concepts: Form, Function, Connection Related concepts
Pretending, rules of play, cooperation, enjoyment Lines of Inquiry · Different forms of play · Play tools and materials · Play with others
Who we are Unit F3 - All By Myself Central Idea As people grow older they learn how to do new things and become more independent Key concepts: form, change, causation Related concepts: independence, growth, attitude Lines of Inquiry · Things we can do · Changes in what we can do over time · Ways to learn new things
Where We are In Place and Time Unit F4 (Whole Year) A Sense of Change Central Idea
People use their senses to learn about the changing world around them Key concepts: function, change, reflection Related concepts
Discovery, exploration Lines of Inquiry · The five senses · Changes in our environment · Things we do differently as the seasons change · Ways we can use our senses to find things out
Pre-Primary
How we express ourselves Unit PP1 - Once Upon a Story Central Idea Stories inform us, engage our feelings and can be shared in many ways. Key concepts: connection, causation, perspective, function, Related concepts: communication, performance Lines of Inquiry · How stories are connected to our lives and experiences · How stories make us feel · Ways of telling stories
How the world works Unit PP2 - Move It! Central Idea
Force can be applied to make things move, change speed and direction, or stop. Key concepts: function, change, connection Related concepts: movement, force, motion Lines of Inquiry · Ways we can make toys and equipment move · Ways that we can change how things move
Who we are Unit PP3 - Many People, One Community Central Idea Our commonalities unite us as a community Key concepts: form, function, connection Related concepts: identity, community Lines of Inquiry · Physical characteristics · Likes, dislikes and experiences · Commonalities
Sharing the planet Unit PP4 - Staying Alive Central Idea When responsible for living things, knowing about their needs enables us to care for them properly Key concepts: form, function, responsibility Related concepts
Classification, living things, needs Lines of Inquiry · Different kinds of living things · Characteristics and needs of living things · Our responsibilities for the well being of living things
Primary
How the world works Unit P1 - Water Central Idea
Water can be used in many different ways and for different purposes
Key concepts: form, change, function Related concepts: changes of state Lines of Inquiry · The properties of water · How water behaves and changes · Ways that water is used
Sharing the planet Unit P2 - Getting Along
Central Idea
The choices we make affect how we get along with others. Key concepts: causation, responsibility, reflection Related concepts: conflict, cooperation, interdependence Lines of Inquiry · Our relationships · Choices within our relationships · Attitudes and skills that support relationships · Consequences of our choices
How we organize ourselves Unit P3 - Getting Organised Central Idea
Achievement of a shared goal is dependent on a variety of skills, understandings and individual contributions Key concepts: form, function, connection Related concepts: interdependence, contribution Lines of Inquiry · Creating a shared goal · The skills, strategies, knowledge and attitudes needed to achieve the goal · Ways individuals can contribute to achieving the shared goal
How we express ourselves Unit P4 - Create It Central Idea
People use creativity to express ideas and meet physical and emotional needs
Key concepts: perspective, causation, function Related concepts: design, self-expression
Lines of Inquiry · Needs in our lives · Ways that people meet needs · Things we can create to meet needs
Where we are in place and time Unit P5 - Outside Our Backdoor Central Idea
Exploring the local environment deepens our understanding of place Key concepts: form, connection, reflection Related concepts: geography, locality
Lines of Inquiry · Ways of exploring and documenting the local environment · Physical features and characteristics of the local environment · Living things in the local environment
Who we are Unit P6 - Let's Celebrate Central Idea Celebrations reflect what we value and who we are.
Key concepts: perspective, connection, reflection Related concepts: beliefs, traditions Lines of Inquiry · How and why people celebrate · Celebrations in our school community · Ways we can celebrate things we value
Grade1
Who we are Unit 1-1 - Taking Care of Ourselves
Central Idea Healthy lifestyles are the result of making informed, balanced choices. Key concepts: function, causation, responsibility, perspective Related concepts: balance, well-being
Lines of Inquiry · Daily habits and routines (hygiene, diet, exercise, play, rest) · Lifestyle choices and their consequences · Personal action I can take to develop, and maintain a healthy lifestyle
How we organize ourselves Unit 1-2 - Start to Finish
Central Idea The products we use go through a process from start to finish. Key concepts: form, change, connection Related concepts: changes of state, production, systems
Lines of Inquiry · Stages in a process · Stages in production of familiar products · Changes of state in common processes
How we express ourselves Unit 1-3 - Create It
Central Idea People can discover new ways to express themselves by exploring literature, art, music and dance from other places and cultures Key concepts: form, connection, function Related concepts: culture, art forms, self expression
Lines of Inquiry · The diverse ways in which people express themselves through literature and the arts across countries and cultures. · How people can express their uniqueness through the arts. · Ways in which groups work together creatively
How the world works Unit 1-4 - Material World
Central Idea The way materials are used is determined by their properties Key concepts: form, function, connection Related concepts: properties of materials
Lines of Inquiry · What materials are like · Where materials come from · How the properties of materials influence the way they are used in everyday objects. · Ways we can apply our understanding of materials’ properties.
Where we are in place and time Unit 1-5 - Then and Now
CentralIdea By comparing life now to life in the past, we see that some things change and others stay the same. Key concepts: reflection, change, connection Related concepts: traditions, history Lines of Inquiry · What we can learn about the past through artifacts · The commonalities and differences between children’s lives now and in the past, and how they may change in the future. · How technology has changed our lives
Sharing the planet Unit 1-6 - Habitats
Central Idea Living things have specific characteristics and needs, and can be impacted by human activity.
Key concepts: form, connection, responsibility Related concepts: habitats, relationships
Lines of Inquiry · The living things around us. · The interrelationships of living things around us. · How we can make a difference for living things in our environment
Grade 2
Where we are in place and time Unit 2-1 - Personal Histories Central Idea
Family histories provide us with a cultural and personal identity Key concepts: causation, connection, reflection Related concepts: family, chronology, identity
Lines of Inquiry · Artifacts connected to family history · Memory and personal identity · Commonalities in human experiences
How we organize ourselves Unit 2-2 - Off to Work Central Idea
In a workplace people take on different roles and responsibilities to achieve the mission of the organization Key concepts: function, connection, responsibility Related concepts: interdependence, roles Lines of Inquiry · Defining the purpose of a workplace · Responsibilities and roles in different jobs · Interconnectedness of individual roles · The distribution of power and authority in an organization.
Sharing the planet Unit 2-3 - Extinction is Forever Central Idea
Once a species is extinct it can never be brought back again. Key concepts: causation, responsibility, connection, change Related concepts: conservation, loss, interdependence Lines of Inquiry: · Endangered species · Circumstances that lead to extinction · Human role in conservation
How we express ourselves Unit 2-4 - Just Imagine
Central Idea
Imagination is a powerful tool for extending our ability to think, create and express ourselves.
Key concepts: function, reflection, perspective Related concepts: creativity, invention
Lines of Inquiry · How our imagination helps us to consider other perspectives. · How imagination has influenced our world today? · Using our imaginations to create and express ourselves
Who we are Unit 2-5 - Citizens of the Earth Central Idea
Positive relationships contribute to a healthy global society Key concepts: function, perspective, responsibility Related concepts: community, citizenship, human rights and responsibilities. Lines of Inquiry · The characteristics and behaviors of humans · Human rights and responsibilities · Responsible citizenship · The earth as part of our solar system
How the world works Unit 2-6 - Build It Central Idea
The design of buildings and structures depends on the environment and available materials and technology
Key concepts: form, causation, connection Related concepts: structure, strength, stability Lines of Inquiry · What influences construction choices · How machines and technology help in construction · How the choice of building materials impacts a building · How structures are built to withstand natural forces.
Grade 3
How we express ourselves Unit 3-1 - Communication Central Idea Our desire to communicate with one another drives us to overcome obstacles of time, distance and disability Key concepts: form, function, connection Related concepts: media, technology Lines of Inquiry · The purpose of communication · How we use modern techniques and technology to express ourselves · How our senses allow us to receive communication
Sharing the planet Unit 3-2 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Central Idea
People can establish practices in order to sustain and maintain the Earth’s resources. Key concepts: change, responsibility, reflection Related Concepts: resources, conservation, sustainability Lines of inquiry · The natural resources that people rely on · The limited nature of Earth’s resources · Personal choices that can lead to conservation
How we organize ourselves Unit 3-3 - Off the drawing Board
Central Idea
Inventions impact on the world of work and leisure. Key concepts: change, connection, responsibility Related Concepts: innovation, technology
Lines of inquiry · The process of invention · Significant inventions, the circumstances that lead to their development, and their impact · Famous inventors
Where we are in place and time Unit 3-4 - Legacies of the Mediterranean Central Idea Past civilizations shape present day systems and technologies Key concepts: form, causation, change Related concepts: change, progress, technology Lines of Inquiry · Reasons why systems and technologies developed · Aspects of past civilizations that have survived · Why these systems and technologies are used in modern societies · Implications for the future
How the world works Unit 3-5 - Circle of Life Central Idea All living things go through a process of change during their life cycle. Key concepts: change, connection Related Concepts: cycles, growth, transformation Lines of inquiry · Common features of the life cycles of different species (plants and animals) · Developmental stages of various living things · Reproduction as part of a life cycle
Who we are Unit 3-6 - Hometowns Central Idea Homes reflect personal identity and local culture Key concepts: form, connection Related concepts: place, belonging Lines of Inquiry · The distinctive features that give a place its identity · How a place reflects the culture of its people · The commonalities of what makes a home
Grade 4
Who we are Unit 4-1 - A Better Me Central Idea
Individuals have innate physical and mental capabilities, which can be enhanced and developed.
Key concepts: function, causation, responsibility Related Concepts: health, balance, well-being
Lines of Inquiry · How the human body systems work · How learning, practice and skill refinement can enhance natural ability · How individual choices influence the abilities we develop
Where we are in place and time Unit 4-2 - Settling In Central Idea
Human migration is a response to challenges, risks and opportunities.
Key concepts: causation, change, perspective
Related Concepts: adaptation, migration
Lines of inquiry · The reasons why people migrate · Migration throughout history · Effects of migration on communities, cultures and individuals
How we express ourselves Unit 4-3 - Media Impact Central Idea
We use a variety of media to provoke emotions and persuade others to take action Key concepts: function, perspective, reflection Related Concepts: truth, propaganda, communication Lines of inquiry · The characteristics of media messages . · The truth in advertising · Ways media messages are used · How the presentation of a message influences an audience
How the world works Unit 4-4 - Energy Central Idea Humans rely on various forms of energy. Key concepts: form, function, change Related Concepts
Conservation, sustainability, transformation Lines of inquiry · Forms of energy · The management of energy (storage, transfer, conservation, and transformation) · Human use and dependence on energy
How we organize ourselves Unit 4-5 - City Systems Central Idea
Cities provide interconnected services and systems designed to meet people’s needs. Key Concepts: function, causation, responsibility Related concepts: distribution, service
Lines of Inquiry · The services and systems a city needs · The growth and change of human settlements · The people responsible for organizing the city
Sharing the planet Unit 4-6 - Ecosystems Central Idea
Biodiversity relies on maintaining the balance of organisms within an ecosystem.
Key Concepts: connection, responsibility Related concepts: balance, biodiversity, interdependence Lines of Inquiry · Interdependence within ecosystems, biomes and environments · Ways in which organisms are interconnected in nature · How human interaction with the environment affects the balance of systems
Grade 5
Where we are in place and time
Unit 5-1 - Beyond the Horizon
Central Idea
Exploration leads to discovery and develops new understandings. Key concepts: change, causation Related Concepts: discovery, innovation Lines of inquiry · The challenges explorers face · The developments in technology and tools that have aided navigation · People renowned for exploration
How the world works Unit 5-2 - Earth Works Central Idea
The natural features and phenomena of the changing earth make it unique in our solar system Key concepts: change, responsibility Related Concepts: natural forces Lines of inquiry · The interrelated physical features of the Earth · Why the Earth changes due to natural phenomena. · Human response to the Earth’s changes
Sharing the planet Unit 5-3 - Weather Central Idea
Climate is governed by many factors and can be affected by human activity. Key Concepts: reflection, causation, perspective Related concepts: weather, climate, interdependence Lines of Inquiry · The connection between weather and climate · How humans adapt to regional weather dangers · How weather can affect the physical environment and impact human life · How human activity impacts weather and climate
How we organize ourselves Unit 5-4 - Money Central Idea
Marketplaces depend on the ability to produce goods and supply services that can be exchanged. Key Concepts: function, causation, responsibility Related concepts: wealth, distribution, consumption Lines of Inquiry · How a market economy works · Ethics of the market place · The distribution of wealth
How we express ourselves Unit 5-5 - Arts in Action Central Idea
Artists and art forms develop in the context of the society in which they exist. Key concepts: form, connection, reflection Related Concepts: society Lines of inquiry · The role of art and culture in society · How the art of an era reflects the society of the time · Making informed judgments about art works
UNIT 5-6 - THE EXHIBITION
A culminating project, the PYP exhibition requires that each student demonstrates engagement with the five essential elements of the programme: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. It is a transdisciplinary inquiry conducted in the spirit of personal and shared responsibility, as well as a summative assessment activity that is a celebration as students move from the PYP into the middle years of schooling.
The exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school and student, synthesizing the essential elements of the PYP, and sharing them with the whole school community. It is an opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the learner profile that have been developing throughout their engagement with the PYP.
In the students’ final year of the PYP, which occurs at 10–11 years old, there are five units of inquiry and the exhibition. The exhibition unit takes place under any transdisciplinary theme at the discretion of the school. Students are required to engage in a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. The central idea selected must be of sufficient scope and significance to warrant a detailed investigation by all students.
The PYP exhibition has a number of key purposes including the following. · For students to engage in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry · To provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning · To provide students with an opportunity to explore multiple perspectives · For students to synthesize and apply their learning of previous years, and to reflect on their journey through the PYP · To provide an authentic process for assessing student understanding · To demonstrate how students can take action as a result of their learning · To unite the students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community in a collaborative experience that incorporates the essential elements of the PYP · To celebrate the transition of learners from primary to middle/secondary education
As the culmination of the PYP, it is required that the exhibition reflects all major features of the PYP. It must include regular and carefully planned assessment.
Table of Contents
First Steps
How we organize ourselves
Unit F1 - School, Glorious School
Central Idea
Schools are organized to enable people to learn together
Key concepts: form, function, responsibility
Related concepts: community, systems, interaction
Lines of Inquiry
· People and places in our school
· Classroom routines and expectations
· How our school day is organized
How we express ourselves
Unit F2 - Let's Play
Central Idea
Play takes many forms and enables people to express themselves in different ways
Key concepts: Form, Function, Connection
Related concepts
Pretending, rules of play, cooperation, enjoyment
Lines of Inquiry
· Different forms of play
· Play tools and materials
· Play with others
Who we are
Unit F3 - All By Myself
Central Idea
As people grow older they learn how to do new things and become more independent
Key concepts: form, change, causation
Related concepts: independence, growth, attitude
Lines of Inquiry
· Things we can do
· Changes in what we can do over time
· Ways to learn new things
Where We are In Place and Time
Unit F4 (Whole Year) A Sense of Change
Central Idea
People use their senses to learn about the changing world around them
Key concepts: function, change, reflection
Related concepts
Discovery, exploration
Lines of Inquiry
· The five senses
· Changes in our environment
· Things we do differently as the seasons change
· Ways we can use our senses to find things out
Pre-Primary
How we express ourselves
Unit PP1 - Once Upon a Story
Central Idea
Stories inform us, engage our feelings and can be shared in many ways.
Key concepts: connection, causation, perspective, function,
Related concepts: communication, performance
Lines of Inquiry
· How stories are connected to our lives and experiences
· How stories make us feel
· Ways of telling stories
How the world works
Unit PP2 - Move It!
Central Idea
Force can be applied to make things move, change speed and direction, or stop.
Key concepts: function, change, connection
Related concepts: movement, force, motion
Lines of Inquiry
· Ways we can make toys and equipment move
· Ways that we can change how things move
Who we are
Unit PP3 - Many People, One Community
Central Idea
Our commonalities unite us as a community
Key concepts: form, function, connection
Related concepts: identity, community
Lines of Inquiry
· Physical characteristics
· Likes, dislikes and experiences
· Commonalities
Sharing the planet
Unit PP4 - Staying Alive
Central Idea
When responsible for living things, knowing about their needs enables us to care for them properly
Key concepts: form, function, responsibility
Related concepts
Classification, living things, needs
Lines of Inquiry
· Different kinds of living things
· Characteristics and needs of living things
· Our responsibilities for the well being of living things
Primary
How the world works
Unit P1 - Water
Central Idea
Water can be used in many different ways and for different purposes
Key concepts: form, change, function
Related concepts: changes of state
Lines of Inquiry
· The properties of water
· How water behaves and changes
· Ways that water is used
Sharing the planet
Unit P2 - Getting Along
Central Idea
The choices we make affect how we get along with others.
Key concepts: causation, responsibility, reflection
Related concepts: conflict, cooperation, interdependence
Lines of Inquiry
· Our relationships
· Choices within our relationships
· Attitudes and skills that support relationships
· Consequences of our choices
How we organize ourselves
Unit P3 - Getting Organised
Central Idea
Achievement of a shared goal is dependent on a variety of skills, understandings and individual contributions
Key concepts: form, function, connection
Related concepts: interdependence, contribution
Lines of Inquiry
· Creating a shared goal
· The skills, strategies, knowledge and attitudes needed to achieve the goal
· Ways individuals can contribute to achieving the shared goal
How we express ourselves
Unit P4 - Create It
Central Idea
People use creativity to express ideas and meet physical and emotional needs
Key concepts: perspective, causation, function
Related concepts: design, self-expression
Lines of Inquiry
· Needs in our lives
· Ways that people meet needs
· Things we can create to meet needs
Where we are in place and time
Unit P5 - Outside Our Backdoor
Central Idea
Exploring the local environment deepens our understanding of place
Key concepts: form, connection, reflection
Related concepts: geography, locality
Lines of Inquiry
· Ways of exploring and documenting the local environment
· Physical features and characteristics of the local environment
· Living things in the local environment
Who we are
Unit P6 - Let's Celebrate
Central Idea
Celebrations reflect what we value and who we are.
Key concepts: perspective, connection, reflection
Related concepts: beliefs, traditions
Lines of Inquiry
· How and why people celebrate
· Celebrations in our school community
· Ways we can celebrate things we value
Grade1
Who we are
Unit 1-1 - Taking Care of Ourselves
Central Idea
Healthy lifestyles are the result of making informed, balanced choices.
Key concepts: function, causation, responsibility, perspective
Related concepts: balance, well-being
Lines of Inquiry
· Daily habits and routines (hygiene, diet, exercise, play, rest)
· Lifestyle choices and their consequences
· Personal action I can take to develop, and maintain a healthy lifestyle
How we organize ourselves
Unit 1-2 - Start to Finish
Central Idea
The products we use go through a process from start to finish.
Key concepts: form, change, connection
Related concepts: changes of state, production, systems
Lines of Inquiry
· Stages in a process
· Stages in production of familiar products
· Changes of state in common processes
How we express ourselves
Unit 1-3 - Create It
Central Idea
People can discover new ways to express themselves by exploring literature, art, music and dance from other places and cultures
Key concepts: form, connection, function
Related concepts: culture, art forms, self expression
Lines of Inquiry
· The diverse ways in which people express themselves through literature and the arts across countries and cultures.
· How people can express their uniqueness through the arts.
· Ways in which groups work together creatively
How the world works
Unit 1-4 - Material World
Central Idea
The way materials are used is determined by their properties
Key concepts: form, function, connection
Related concepts: properties of materials
Lines of Inquiry
· What materials are like
· Where materials come from
· How the properties of materials influence the way they are used in everyday objects.
· Ways we can apply our understanding of materials’ properties.
Where we are in place and time
Unit 1-5 - Then and Now
Central Idea
By comparing life now to life in the past, we see that some things change and others stay the same.
Key concepts: reflection, change, connection
Related concepts: traditions, history
Lines of Inquiry
· What we can learn about the past through artifacts
· The commonalities and differences between children’s lives now and in the past, and how they may change in the future.
· How technology has changed our lives
Sharing the planet
Unit 1-6 - Habitats
Central Idea
Living things have specific characteristics and needs, and can be impacted by human activity.
Key concepts: form, connection, responsibility
Related concepts: habitats, relationships
Lines of Inquiry
· The living things around us.
· The interrelationships of living things around us.
· How we can make a difference for living things in our environment
Grade 2
Where we are in place and time
Unit 2-1 - Personal Histories
Central Idea
Family histories provide us with a cultural and personal identity
Key concepts: causation, connection, reflection
Related concepts: family, chronology, identity
Lines of Inquiry
· Artifacts connected to family history
· Memory and personal identity
· Commonalities in human experiences
How we organize ourselves
Unit 2-2 - Off to Work
Central Idea
In a workplace people take on different roles and responsibilities to achieve the mission of the organization
Key concepts: function, connection, responsibility
Related concepts: interdependence, roles
Lines of Inquiry
· Defining the purpose of a workplace
· Responsibilities and roles in different jobs
· Interconnectedness of individual roles
· The distribution of power and authority in an organization.
Sharing the planet
Unit 2-3 - Extinction is Forever
Central Idea
Once a species is extinct it can never be brought back again.
Key concepts: causation, responsibility, connection, change
Related concepts: conservation, loss, interdependence
Lines of Inquiry:
· Endangered species
· Circumstances that lead to extinction
· Human role in conservation
How we express ourselves
Unit 2-4 - Just Imagine
Central Idea
Imagination is a powerful tool for extending our ability to think, create and express ourselves.
Key concepts: function, reflection, perspective
Related concepts: creativity, invention
Lines of Inquiry
· How our imagination helps us to consider other perspectives.
· How imagination has influenced our world today?
· Using our imaginations to create and express ourselves
Who we are
Unit 2-5 - Citizens of the Earth
Central Idea
Positive relationships contribute to a healthy global society
Key concepts: function, perspective, responsibility
Related concepts: community, citizenship, human rights and responsibilities.
Lines of Inquiry
· The characteristics and behaviors of humans
· Human rights and responsibilities
· Responsible citizenship
· The earth as part of our solar system
How the world works
Unit 2-6 - Build It
Central Idea
The design of buildings and structures depends on the environment and available materials and technology
Key concepts: form, causation, connection
Related concepts: structure, strength, stability
Lines of Inquiry
· What influences construction choices
· How machines and technology help in construction
· How the choice of building materials impacts a building
· How structures are built to withstand natural forces.
Grade 3
How we express ourselves
Unit 3-1 - Communication
Central Idea
Our desire to communicate with one another drives us to overcome obstacles of time, distance and disability
Key concepts: form, function, connection
Related concepts: media, technology
Lines of Inquiry
· The purpose of communication
· How we use modern techniques and technology to express ourselves
· How our senses allow us to receive communication
Sharing the planet
Unit 3-2 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Central Idea
People can establish practices in order to sustain and maintain the Earth’s resources.
Key concepts: change, responsibility, reflection
Related Concepts: resources, conservation, sustainability
Lines of inquiry
· The natural resources that people rely on
· The limited nature of Earth’s resources
· Personal choices that can lead to conservation
How we organize ourselves
Unit 3-3 - Off the drawing Board
Central Idea
Inventions impact on the world of work and leisure.
Key concepts: change, connection, responsibility
Related Concepts: innovation, technology
Lines of inquiry
· The process of invention
· Significant inventions, the circumstances that lead to their development, and their impact
· Famous inventors
Where we are in place and time
Unit 3-4 - Legacies of the Mediterranean
Central Idea
Past civilizations shape present day systems and technologies
Key concepts: form, causation, change
Related concepts: change, progress, technology
Lines of Inquiry
· Reasons why systems and technologies developed
· Aspects of past civilizations that have survived
· Why these systems and technologies are used in modern societies
· Implications for the future
How the world works
Unit 3-5 - Circle of Life
Central Idea
All living things go through a process of change during their life cycle.
Key concepts: change, connection
Related Concepts: cycles, growth, transformation
Lines of inquiry
· Common features of the life cycles of different species (plants and animals)
· Developmental stages of various living things
· Reproduction as part of a life cycle
Who we are
Unit 3-6 - Hometowns
Central Idea
Homes reflect personal identity and local culture
Key concepts: form, connection
Related concepts: place, belonging
Lines of Inquiry
· The distinctive features that give a place its identity
· How a place reflects the culture of its people
· The commonalities of what makes a home
Grade 4
Who we are
Unit 4-1 - A Better Me
Central Idea
Individuals have innate physical and mental capabilities, which can be enhanced and developed.
Key concepts: function, causation, responsibility
Related Concepts: health, balance, well-being
Lines of Inquiry
· How the human body systems work
· How learning, practice and skill refinement can enhance natural ability
· How individual choices influence the abilities we develop
Where we are in place and time
Unit 4-2 - Settling In
Central Idea
Human migration is a response to challenges, risks and opportunities.
Key concepts: causation, change, perspective
Related Concepts: adaptation, migration
Lines of inquiry
· The reasons why people migrate
· Migration throughout history
· Effects of migration on communities, cultures and individuals
How we express ourselves
Unit 4-3 - Media Impact
Central Idea
We use a variety of media to provoke emotions and persuade others to take action
Key concepts: function, perspective, reflection
Related Concepts: truth, propaganda, communication
Lines of inquiry
· The characteristics of media messages .
· The truth in advertising
· Ways media messages are used
· How the presentation of a message influences an audience
How the world works
Unit 4-4 - Energy
Central Idea
Humans rely on various forms of energy.
Key concepts: form, function, change
Related Concepts
Conservation, sustainability, transformation
Lines of inquiry
· Forms of energy
· The management of energy (storage, transfer, conservation, and transformation)
· Human use and dependence on energy
How we organize ourselves
Unit 4-5 - City Systems
Central Idea
Cities provide interconnected services and systems designed to meet people’s needs.
Key Concepts: function, causation, responsibility
Related concepts: distribution, service
Lines of Inquiry
· The services and systems a city needs
· The growth and change of human settlements
· The people responsible for organizing the city
Sharing the planet
Unit 4-6 - Ecosystems
Central Idea
Biodiversity relies on maintaining the balance of organisms within an ecosystem.
Key Concepts: connection, responsibility
Related concepts: balance, biodiversity, interdependence
Lines of Inquiry
· Interdependence within ecosystems, biomes and environments
· Ways in which organisms are interconnected in nature
· How human interaction with the environment affects the balance of systems
Grade 5
Where we are in place and time
Unit 5-1 - Beyond the Horizon
Central Idea
Exploration leads to discovery and develops new understandings.
Key concepts: change, causation
Related Concepts: discovery, innovation
Lines of inquiry
· The challenges explorers face
· The developments in technology and tools that have aided navigation
· People renowned for exploration
How the world works
Unit 5-2 - Earth Works
Central Idea
The natural features and phenomena of the changing earth make it unique in our solar system
Key concepts: change, responsibility
Related Concepts: natural forces
Lines of inquiry
· The interrelated physical features of the Earth
· Why the Earth changes due to natural phenomena.
· Human response to the Earth’s changes
Sharing the planet
Unit 5-3 - Weather
Central Idea
Climate is governed by many factors and can be affected by human activity.
Key Concepts: reflection, causation, perspective
Related concepts: weather, climate, interdependence
Lines of Inquiry
· The connection between weather and climate
· How humans adapt to regional weather dangers
· How weather can affect the physical environment and impact human life
· How human activity impacts weather and climate
How we organize ourselves
Unit 5-4 - Money
Central Idea
Marketplaces depend on the ability to produce goods and supply services that can be exchanged.
Key Concepts: function, causation, responsibility
Related concepts: wealth, distribution, consumption
Lines of Inquiry
· How a market economy works
· Ethics of the market place
· The distribution of wealth
How we express ourselves
Unit 5-5 - Arts in Action
Central Idea
Artists and art forms develop in the context of the society in which they exist.
Key concepts: form, connection, reflection
Related Concepts: society
Lines of inquiry
· The role of art and culture in society
· How the art of an era reflects the society of the time
· Making informed judgments about art works
UNIT 5-6 - THE EXHIBITION
A culminating project, the PYP exhibition requires that each student demonstrates engagement with the five essential elements of the programme: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. It is a transdisciplinary inquiry conducted in the spirit of personal and shared responsibility, as well as a summative assessment activity that is a celebration as students move from the PYP into the middle years of schooling.
The exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school and student, synthesizing the essential elements of the PYP, and sharing them with the whole school community. It is an opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the learner profile that have been developing throughout their engagement with the PYP.
In the students’ final year of the PYP, which occurs at 10–11 years old, there are five units of inquiry and the exhibition. The exhibition unit takes place under any transdisciplinary theme at the discretion of the school. Students are required to engage in a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. The central idea selected must be of sufficient scope and significance to warrant a detailed investigation by all students.
The PYP exhibition has a number of key purposes including the following.
· For students to engage in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry
· To provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning
· To provide students with an opportunity to explore multiple perspectives
· For students to synthesize and apply their learning of previous years, and to reflect on their journey through the PYP
· To provide an authentic process for assessing student understanding
· To demonstrate how students can take action as a result of their learning
· To unite the students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community in a collaborative experience that incorporates the essential elements of the PYP
· To celebrate the transition of learners from primary to middle/secondary education
As the culmination of the PYP, it is required that the exhibition reflects all major features of the PYP. It must include regular and carefully planned assessment.